Folding package



July 26, 1932. 0, p wlLsQN `1,869,291

FOLDING PACKAGE July 26, 1932. o, PfgMLSON 1,869,291

FOLDING PACKAGE Filed Feb. 5.- 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 26, 1932 UNITED STATES ORKNEY P. WILSON, OF HUMBOLDT, TENNESSEE, ASSIGNOR '1"0 N.

HUMBOLDT, TENNESSEE FOLDING racimos 'Y 'I Application filed February 3, 1930; Serial No. 425,614.

This invention aims to provide a folding container or crate for perishable fruits, vegetables, and general merchandise, which will be inexpensive, durable, and strong; and to i provide a container which may be collapsed readily to a small compass for storage and shipment. rlhe invention aims to provide novel means whereby the container may be folded, whereby ventilation may be provided,

, and whereby the top and bottom may be fastened on.

It is within the province of the disclosure to improve generally and to enhance the utility of devices of that type to which the i present invention appertains.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in ,the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes may be made inthe precise embodiment of the device herein disclosed, within t-he scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure l shows in top plan a device constructed in accordance with the invention, parts being broken away;

Figure 2 is a side elevation wherein the frame of the crate is shown folded;

Figure 3 is a side elevation wherein parts are broken away, parts being in section;

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing one of the hinge members; and

Figure 5 is a sectional detail wherein parts are broken away.

The crate' or container comprises sides, ends, a top, and a bottom. These parts may n be of any desired construction, depending upon how much ventilation the container is to have. As shown, but not of necessity, the sides comprise, each, an'upper side bar 1, a lower side bar 2, and slats 3 connected to the side bars 1 and 2. The ends include, each, an upper bar 4 and a lower end bar 5 and slats 6 connecting the end bars 4 and 5.

Rectangular hinge members 7 are provided. The hinge members 7 are overlapped on the upper and lower edges of the bars 1 and 2, and are connected .thereto` by securing elements 8. The hinge members 7 are overlapped on the upper and lower edges of the bars 4 and 5, and are connected thereto by pivot elements 9. Supporting pieces 10.

are secured to the lower surfaces of the end bars 5 and extend inwardy beyond the inner surfaces ofthe end bars 5, as shown in -Figure 3. Spacing pieces 11 are secured to the upper edges of the end bars 4. Y

A bottom is disposed within the container and is made up, if desired, ofslats 12 and transverse cleats 14 connected to the slats 12. The ends of the slats 12 rest on the supports 10, as shown in Figure 3.

The device includes a top. Thetop may be made up of slats 15 and cleats 16. The top rests on the spacing pieces l1 and is held secured thereto. The spacing pieces 11 afford ventilation at the sides of the crate, near to the top of the crate. The spacing 'pieces 11 cover the upper ends of the upper.

pivot elements 9, to hold them in place. The supporting pieces 10 cover the lowerends of the lower pivot elements 9 and hold them in place.

The framework shipped knocked down iiat, as shown in Figure 2, the hinges 7 permitting the frame or body of the crate to be folded. The body of the crate can be opened out into rectangular form, the bottom dropped in, and the topl efficient container is afforded.

The device may be made out of short pieces of scrap timber and promotes economy. The device presents aV package that ofthe crate may be..l

' dropped down, whereupon a complete and n can be shipped knocked down, but in such condition that it can be setup quickly, at the point of use, without resort to tools. Ow-

ing to the fact that the crate can be collapsed, j there is ay great saving. in space, both in storage and in shipment.

Having thus described the invention, what v is claimed is: y I

A container comprising sides and ends, hinge members secured to the upper and lower edges of the sides and'p'overlapped on the l upper andlower edgesof the ends, "upper and lower pivot elements passing through l porting pieces.

the hinge members and lenteringrthe ends, supporting pieces secured to the lower edges of the ends and extended inwardly beyond the inner surfaces'of the ends, the supporting pieces covering thelower pivot elements to hold 'them in place, spacing pieces secured to the upper edges of the ends, the spacing pieces covering the upperA pivot elements to hold them in place, a top secured to the spacing pieces7 and abottom carried by the sup- In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereunto affixed my "signature.

ORKNEYY P. WTILSON. 

